WO2016125700A1 - Electric driving device and electric power steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is configured such that: an electronic control assembly is divided into a power-supply circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate, a power-conversion circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate, and a control circuit unit mounted on a plastic substrate; a power-supply-connector wiring part, which supplies power from the power-supply circuit unit to the power-conversion circuit unit and the control circuit unit, and a signal-transmission-connector wiring part, which transmits signals to be input to or output from the control circuit unit, are embedded in a connector terminal assembly; and connector terminals of the power-supply-connector wiring part and the signal-transmission-connector wiring part, which are exposed from the connector terminal assembly, are directly connected to the corresponding circuit units.

Description

Electric drive device and electric power steering device

The present invention relates to an electric drive device and an electric power steering device, and more particularly to an electric drive device and an electric power steering device incorporating an electronic control device.

In the general industrial machinery field, a mechanical control element is driven by an electric motor. Recently, an electronic control device including a semiconductor element or the like for controlling the rotational speed or rotational torque of the electric motor is electrically driven. A so-called electromechanical integrated electric drive device that is integrated into a motor is beginning to be adopted.

As an example of an electromechanical integrated electric drive device, for example, in an electric power steering device of an automobile, a rotation direction and a rotation torque of a steering shaft that is rotated by a driver operating a steering wheel are detected. The electric motor is driven to rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the steering shaft based on the detected value, and the steering assist torque is generated. In order to control this electric motor, an electronic control unit (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) is provided in the power steering device.

As a conventional electric power steering device, for example, a device described in JP2013-60119A (Patent Document 1) is known. Patent Document 1 describes an electric power steering device that includes an electric motor and an electronic control device. The electric motor is housed in a motor housing having a cylindrical portion made of aluminum alloy or the like, and the electronic control unit is housed in an ECU housing disposed on the opposite side of the motor housing in the axial direction. Yes. An electronic control unit housed in the ECU housing includes a power conversion circuit unit having a power switching element such as a power supply circuit unit, a MOSFET for driving and controlling an electric motor, or an IGBT, and a control circuit for controlling the power switching element. The output terminal of the power switching element and the input terminal of the electric motor are electrically connected via a bus bar.

The electronic control unit housed in the ECU housing is supplied with electric power from a power source via a connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin, and is supplied with detection signals such as an operating state from detection sensors. . The connector terminal assembly functions as a lid, is connected to the electronic control unit so as to close an opening formed in the ECU housing, and is fixed to the outer surface of the ECU housing by fixing bolts.

In addition to this, as an electric drive unit integrated with an electronic control unit, an electric brake, an electric hydraulic controller for various hydraulic controls, and the like are known.

JP 2013-60119 A

Incidentally, since the electric power steering device described in Patent Document 1 is disposed in the engine room of an automobile, it needs to be configured in a small size. In recent years, in particular, there has been a tendency to install a lot of auxiliary equipment such as exhaust gas countermeasure equipment and safety equipment in the engine room of automobiles, and various auxiliary equipment including electric power steering devices can be miniaturized as much as possible. There is a need to reduce the number of parts.

In the electric power steering apparatus having a configuration as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are mounted on two substrates. For this reason, since the number of parts of electric parts necessary for controlling the electric motor is roughly determined, when the electric parts of these parts are mounted on two boards, the ECU that houses the electronic control unit The housing naturally grows radially. Due to the structure of the electric power steering device, the axial length is relatively limited in the longitudinal direction, and there is a tendency that the enlargement in the radial direction is limited.
Therefore, the current situation is that the housing is required to be downsized in the radial direction.

For this purpose, it is effective to separately divide the power supply circuit section, power conversion circuit section, and control circuit section into three parts in order to reduce the size in the radial direction. According to this, since the electric parts necessary for controlling the electric motor are divided into three, the area of the board can be made smaller and smaller in the radial direction than in the case of dividing into two.

However, in order to supply electric power, control signals, and the like to each of the three divided boards, a complicated connector wiring section configuration using many relay connectors is required, which increases the number of components and miniaturization. There are issues that become obstacles. Furthermore, since the configuration of the connector wiring section is complicated, there is a problem that the unit price of the product increases due to an increase in the number of assembly steps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to suppress the increase in the size of the housing in which the electronic control unit is accommodated in the radial direction and to reduce the number of relay connectors as much as possible, and to provide a power supply circuit unit and a power conversion circuit with a simple connector terminal assembly. It is to provide a novel electric drive device and electric power steering device capable of supplying power and control signals to the control unit and the control circuit unit.

The feature of the present invention is that the electronic control assembly is mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is to generate power, and a power conversion circuit unit that is mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is driving an electric motor. And a power supply connector that supplies power from the power supply circuit unit to the power conversion circuit unit and the control circuit unit at least, and is divided into a control circuit unit mounted on a resin substrate that mainly controls the power conversion circuit unit The wiring section and the signal transmission connector wiring section for transmitting the input / output signals of the control circuit section are embedded in the connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin, the power supply connector wiring section exposed from the connector terminal assembly, and the signal transmission The connector terminal of the connector wiring section is directly connected to the corresponding power supply circuit section, power conversion circuit section, and control circuit section connector.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the board in the radial direction by mounting the electrical components constituting the electronic control device on three boards by function, and to synthesize the connector wiring part that connects each circuit part. Since the connector terminal assembly made of resin is assembled and directly connected to the corresponding circuit portion, the number of parts of the connector terminal assembly can be reduced and the structure can be simplified.

1 is an overall perspective view of a steering apparatus as an example to which the present invention is applied. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electric power steering device as an electromechanical integrated electric drive device. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electric power steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply circuit unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power conversion circuit unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a control circuit unit shown in FIG. 3. It is the perspective view which looked at the cover body provided with the connector terminal shown in FIG. 3 from diagonally lower side. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the lid viewed from the direction of the AA plane shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the electric path steering apparatus viewed from the BB plane of FIG. However, the electric motor portion is omitted. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the electric path steering apparatus as viewed from the CC plane of FIG. 8. However, the electric motor portion is omitted. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the electric path-steering device as seen from the DD plane of FIG. 8. However, the electric motor portion is omitted.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and application examples are included in the technical concept of the present invention. Is also included in the range.

Before describing an embodiment of the present invention, a configuration of a steering device as an example to which the present invention is applied and a configuration of an electric power steering device as an electromechanical integrated electric drive device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Explained.

First, a steering device for steering the front wheels of an automobile will be described. The steering device 1 is configured as shown in FIG. A pinion (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the steering shaft 2 connected to a steering wheel (not shown), and this pinion meshes with a rack (not shown) that is long in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. Tie rods 3 for steering the front wheels in the left-right direction are connected to both ends of the rack, and the rack is covered with a rack housing 4. A rubber boot 5 is provided between the rack housing 4 and the tie rod 3.

An electric power steering device 6 is provided to assist the torque when the steering wheel is turned. In other words, a torque sensor 7 that detects the turning direction and turning torque of the steering shaft 2 is provided, and an electric motor unit 8 that applies a steering assist force to the rack via the gear 10 based on the detection value of the torque sensor 7. And an electronic control unit (ECU) unit 9 that controls the electric motor disposed in the electric motor unit 8 is provided. The electric motor steering unit 8 of the electric power steering device 6 is connected to the gear 10 through bolts (not shown) at the outer peripheral portion on the output shaft side, and the electronic control device unit on the opposite side of the output shaft of the electric motor 8 unit. 9 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric motor unit 8 is composed of a motor housing 11A having a cylindrical portion made of aluminum alloy or the like and an electric motor (not shown) housed in the motor housing 11A. The ECU housing 11B is made of an aluminum alloy or the like and is disposed on the opposite side of the output shaft 11A in the axial direction, and an electronic control assembly (not shown) housed in the ECU housing 11B.

The motor housing 11A and the ECU housing 11B are integrally fixed by fixing bolts at opposite end surfaces thereof. The electronic control assembly housed inside the ECU housing 11B is a power conversion unit having a power switching element made up of a power supply circuit unit that generates a necessary power source, a MOSFET, an IGBT, and the like that drives and controls the electric motor of the electric motor unit 8. The circuit includes a control circuit unit that controls the power switching element, and the output terminal of the power switching element and the input terminal of the electric motor are electrically connected via a bus bar.

A lid 12 made of synthetic resin, which also serves as a connector terminal assembly, is fixed to the end face of the ECU housing 11B with fixing bolts. The lid 12 is provided with a connector terminal forming part 12A for supplying power, a connector terminal forming part 12B for detection sensor, and a connector terminal forming part 12C for sending a control state for sending a control state to an external device. The electronic control assembly housed in the ECU housing 11B is supplied with electric power from the power source via the connector terminal forming portion 12A for supplying power to the lid 12 made of synthetic resin, and is operated from the detection sensors. A detection signal such as a state is supplied via the connector forming terminal portion 12B for the detection sensor, and a control state signal of the current electric power steering apparatus is sent via the connector terminal forming portion 12C for sending the control state.

Here, the lid 12 is shaped so as to cover the entire opening of the ECU housing 11B, but each connector terminal is formed in a small size and inserted through an insertion hole formed in the ECU housing 11B. It may be configured to be connected to the control assembly.

In the electric power steering apparatus 6 configured as described above, when the steering shaft 2 is rotated in either direction by operating the steering wheel, the rotation direction and the rotational torque of the steering shaft 2 are determined. Is detected by the torque sensor 7, and the control circuit unit calculates the drive operation amount of the electric motor based on the detected value. The electric motor is driven by the power switching element of the power conversion circuit unit based on the calculated drive operation amount, and the output shaft of the electric motor is rotated so as to drive the steering shaft 1 in the same direction as the operation direction. The rotation of the output shaft is transmitted from a pinion (not shown) to a rack (not shown) via the gear 10 to steer the automobile. Since these structures and operations are already well known, further explanation is omitted.

In such an electric power steering device, there is a tendency that a lot of auxiliary equipment such as exhaust gas countermeasure devices and safety countermeasure devices are installed in the engine room of the automobile, and various auxiliary devices including the electric power steering device are There is a demand for miniaturization as much as possible. In the electric power steering apparatus, the number of parts of the electric parts constituting the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit necessary for controlling the electric motor is roughly determined. For this reason, when these parts are mounted on two substrates as in Patent Document 1, the housing that houses the electronic control device is naturally enlarged in the radial direction.

Therefore, it is effective to individually divide the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit into three in order to reduce the size in the radial direction. According to this, since the electric parts necessary for controlling the electric motor are divided into three, the area of the board can be made smaller and smaller in the radial direction than in the case of dividing into two.

However, in order to supply electric power, control signals, and the like to each of the three divided boards, a complicated connector wiring section configuration using many relay connectors is required, which increases the number of components and miniaturization. There are issues that become obstacles. Furthermore, since the configuration of the connector wiring section is complicated, there is a problem that the unit price of the product increases due to an increase in the number of assembly steps.

From such a background, this embodiment proposes an electric power steering apparatus having the following configuration.

In other words, the electronic control assembly includes a power supply circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is generating power, a power conversion circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is driving an electric motor, and power conversion A power supply connector wiring unit that supplies power to the power conversion circuit unit and the control circuit unit from at least the power supply circuit unit and is divided into a control circuit unit mounted on a resin substrate whose main function is control of the circuit unit The signal transmission connector wiring section for transmitting the input / output signals of the control circuit section is embedded in the connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin, and the power supply connector wiring section exposed from the connector terminal assembly and the signal transmission connector wiring section The connector terminal is directly connected to the corresponding power supply circuit unit, power conversion circuit unit, and control circuit unit connector.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the electric power steering apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described, but the shape of the lid 12 shown in FIG. 2 is different in the following drawings. However, its function is the same.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the electric power steering apparatus 6. The motor housing 11A usually contains an electric motor. As described above, the motor housing 11A and the ECU housing 11B are made of separate aluminum alloys, but both housings may be the same housing.

The electronic control unit 9 includes an ECU housing 11B coupled to an opposite side of an output shaft (not shown) of the electric motor in the motor housing 11A, and a lid body 12 coupled to the ECU housing 11B by three fixing bolts 13. It is configured. As will be described later, the lid 12 also serves as a connector terminal assembly, and is formed from synthetic resin by injection molding. Note that various types of connector wiring portions, which will be described later, are simultaneously embedded in the lid 12 by an insert mold.

In the housing space constituted by the ECU housing 11 </ b> B and the lid body 12, an electronic control assembly including the power circuit unit 14, the power conversion circuit unit 15, the control circuit unit 16, and the like is housed. Inside the ECU housing 11B, metal substrates 17 and 18 made of a metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy are arranged, and the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit are mounted on these metal substrates 17 and 18 by single-sided mounting. An electrical component constituting the portion 15 is placed.
These metal substrates 17 and 18 function as a heat radiating member as will be described later, and are disposed so as to be in thermal contact with the ECU housing 11B.

That is, the metal substrates 17 and 18 have a function of dissipating heat from the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 16 to the ECU housing 11B. For this reason, the inner peripheral side of the ECU housing 11B and the metal substrates 17 and 18 are provided. It is set as the structure which contacts the outer peripheral side of this.

In addition to this, it is also possible to dissipate heat to the lid body 12 through fixing bolts (fixing bolts 44 shown in FIG. 9) for fixing the metal substrates 17 and 18 to the lid body 12. In this case, an insert nut may be embedded in the lid 12 and the insert nut may be thermally connected to the ECU housing 11B.

Here, the metal substrates 17 and 18 are formed thick in order to enhance the heat dissipation function. Further, in order to enhance this thermal contact, a heat radiation function material such as a heat radiation adhesive, a heat radiation sheet, and heat radiation grease having good thermal conductivity is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the ECU housing 11B. It is disguised. The reason for increasing the thickness of the metal substrates 17 and 18 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Inside the lid 12 is a power supply circuit unit 14 mainly for generating a high-voltage DC power source used for an inverter device for driving an electric motor and a low-voltage DC power source used for a control circuit such as a microcomputer. Has been. As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply circuit unit 14 has a capacitor 19, a coil 20, a switching element 21 made of a MOSFET, and a power supply side from a battery on one side of a metal substrate 17 made of a metal having good thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The power supply side connector 22 to which the connector terminal is connected, the high voltage side connector 23 to which the high voltage side connector terminal for supplying high voltage power to the power conversion circuit unit 15 is connected, and the low voltage side connector terminal for supplying low voltage power to the control circuit unit 16 are provided. Electrical components such as the low voltage side connector 24 to be connected are mounted. The metal substrate 17 is formed by forming an insulating layer on an aluminum substrate, and printing a wiring pattern made of copper foil on the insulating layer, and electric components are placed on the wiring pattern. Components are electrically connected.

The power supply circuit unit 14 uses electric parts having a relatively large shape (= tall) such as a capacitor 19, a coil 20, and connectors 22 to 24. The connectors 22 and 23 are press-fit type connectors and have elasticity toward the inside. By simply inserting connector terminals into the connectors 22 and 23, mutual connection can be easily ensured.

In the ECU housing 11B, a power conversion circuit unit 15 that executes inverter control whose main function is driving an electric motor is arranged. In the power conversion circuit unit 15, the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 is disposed so as to face the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14. That is, as can be seen from the figure, the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 is disposed in a form of facing and contacting the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14.

The facing surfaces (= contact surfaces) of the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 have substantially the same shape, and heat is easily transmitted to each other. Yes. Further, a heat radiation function material such as a heat radiation adhesive, a heat radiation sheet, and heat radiation grease having good thermal conductivity is interposed between the two.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power conversion circuit unit 15 has a power switching element 25 made of a plurality of MOSFETs or IGBTs on a metal substrate 18 made of a metal having a good thermal conductivity such as aluminum, and an output for outputting the same. Connectors 26U, 26V, 26W, and input terminals such as gates, drains, and sources for controlling the switching element 25 and connector terminals 27A to 27D for feeding back the operation state of the switching element 25 to the control circuit unit 16 are mounted. Has been. An inverter-side connector 28 that receives supply of power from the power supply circuit unit 14 is also provided. The switching element 25 is also provided with three switching elements 25 for fail-safe in addition to the six switching elements 25 that control the electric motor.

The output connectors 26U, 26V, and 26W are press-fit type connectors and have elasticity toward the inside. The connector terminals of the bus bar connected to the electric motors at the connectors 26U, 26V, and 26W. By simply inserting, mutual connection can be secured easily.

The metal substrate 18 is formed by forming an insulating layer on an aluminum substrate, and printing a wiring pattern made of copper foil on the insulating layer, on which electric components are placed, and each electric Components are electrically connected. FIG. 5 shows the side on which the above-described electrical component is placed for easy understanding. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrical component is actually arranged on the lower side.

Between the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the motor housing 11A, a control circuit unit 16 having a main function of switching control of the switching element 25 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 is disposed. Four resin substrate mounting bosses 29 are formed in the ECU housing 11B toward the motor housing 11A, and the resin substrate of the control circuit unit 16 is fixed to the resin substrate mounting bosses 29 by mounting bolts 30. .

As shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit unit 16 includes a microcomputer 32 and the like for controlling the switching element 25 and the like mounted on a resin substrate 31 made of synthetic resin or the like. In addition, although electrical components, such as a peripheral circuit of the microcomputer 32, are arrange | positioned on the resin substrate 31, they are abbreviate | omitted in FIG.

The resin substrate 31 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the power conversion circuit unit 16, and the electrical components of the power conversion circuit unit 15 are disposed in a space therebetween. The control circuit unit 16 and the power conversion circuit unit 15 are connected by the connector terminals 27A to 27D described above.

The connector terminals 27A to 27D have a length exceeding a predetermined distance between the resin substrate 31 and the power conversion circuit unit 16. The connector terminal 27A is connected to the connection hole 33A of the resin substrate 31, the connector terminal 27B is connected to the connection hole 33B, the connector terminal 27C is connected to the connection hole 33C, and the connector terminal 27D is connected to the connection hole 33D. It is like that.
The connection hole 33E formed in the control board 31 is connected to a control-side connector terminal for signal transmission and low-voltage power supply embedded in an insulating region portion of the lid 12 described later.

Thus, the power supply circuit unit 14, the power conversion circuit unit 15, and the control circuit unit 16 are arranged in this order from the lid 12 toward the motor housing 11A. Thus, by disposing the control circuit unit 16 at a distance from the power supply circuit unit 14, it is possible to provide a stable power supply to the control circuit unit 16 after removing power supply noise.

Returning to FIG. 3, the lid body 12 in which the connector wiring portion is embedded covers the opening of the ECU housing 11 </ b> B, and is similar to the one shown in FIG. 12 A of terminal formation parts, the connector terminal formation part 12B for detection sensors, and the connector terminal formation part 12C for control state sending which sends a control state to an external apparatus are provided. Note that the connector terminal forming portion 12B and the connector terminal forming portion 12C may be integrally formed.
Power is supplied from a power source (not shown) to the power supply circuit unit 14 through these connector terminal forming units 12A to 12C. Similarly, a signal from the detection sensor or the like is input to the control circuit unit 16.

A specific configuration of the lid 12 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, a lid 12 that also serves as a connector terminal assembly includes various connector wiring portions and connector terminals therein.

First, a power connector wiring part that is a connector wiring part for supplying power that connects the connector terminal forming part 12A connected to an external power source (= vehicle battery) and the power circuit part 14 is embedded in the lid body 12, The power supply side connector terminal 34 at the tip is exposed from the lid body 12. The power supply side connector terminal 34 is located inside the side peripheral surface of the lid body 12 (a surface that forms a seal region with an ECU housing described later). The power supply side connector terminal 34 is connected to the power supply side connector 22 of the power supply circuit section 14, and the connection can be completed simply by inserting the power supply side connector terminal 34 into the press-fit type power supply side connector 22. It is. The power connector wiring portion is shown in FIG.

Next, a high voltage side connector wiring portion that is a connector wiring portion for supplying power that connects the power supply circuit portion 14 and the power conversion circuit portion 15 is embedded in the lid 12. Both ends of the high-voltage connector wiring portion are formed as a high-voltage connector terminal 35 and an inverter-side connector terminal 36 and are exposed from the lid 12. One high-voltage side connector terminal 35 is connected to the high-voltage side connector 23 of the power supply circuit unit 14, and the other inverter-side connector terminal 36 is connected to the inverter-side connector 28 of the power conversion circuit unit 15. Similarly, the high-voltage connector wiring portion is shown in FIG.

The high-voltage side connector terminal 35 is connected to the high-voltage side connector 23 of the power supply circuit section 14, and the connection can be completed simply by inserting the high-voltage side connector terminal 35 into the press-fit type high-voltage side connector 23. It is. Moreover, the inverter side connector terminal 36 is connected to the inverter side connector 28 of the power conversion circuit unit 15, and the connection is completed by TIG welding the inverter side connector terminal 36 and the inverter side connector 28. .

The high voltage side connector wiring portion has a U shape between the high voltage side connector terminal 35 and the inverter side connector terminal 36, and the inverter side connector terminal 36 is longer in cross section. This long portion is embedded in a synthetic resin forming the lid 12 to form a high-voltage side insulating region 45, which is on the outer peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18, as shown in FIG. The insertion portion formed on the end surface is inserted to extend to the power conversion circuit portion 15. The insertion portion may be a “notch” formed on the outer peripheral side of the metal substrates 17, 18 or may be an “insertion hole”. Further, the high voltage side insulating region 45 constituting the high voltage side connector wiring portion is located between the outer peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the inner side of the side peripheral surface of the connector lid 12. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Next, a low-voltage side connector wiring portion that is a connector wiring portion for supplying power that connects the power supply circuit portion 14 and the control circuit portion 16 is embedded in the lid 12. Both ends of the low-voltage connector wiring portion are formed as a low-voltage connector terminal 37 and a control-side connector terminal 38 and are exposed from the lid 12. One low voltage side connector terminal 37 is connected to the low voltage side connector 24 of the power supply circuit unit 14, and the other control side connector terminal 38 is connected to the connection hole 33 </ b> E of the control circuit unit 16.

In addition, the signal transmission connector wiring portion for signal transmission connected to the connector terminal forming portion 12B for detection sensor and the connector terminal forming portion 12C for sending control state is adjacent to the low-voltage side connector wiring portion. The control side connector terminal 39 is exposed from the lid body 12.
Similarly, the low-voltage connector wiring portion is shown in FIG.

The low-voltage side connector terminal 37 is connected to the low-voltage side connector 24 of the power supply circuit unit 14, and the connection is completed simply by fitting the low-voltage side connector terminal 37 to the socket-type low-voltage side connector 24. The control side connector terminal 38 and the control side connector terminal 39 for signal transmission are connected to the connection hole 33E of the control circuit section 16, and the control side connector terminals 38 and 39 and the connection hole 33E are joined by soldering. This completes the connection.

The low-voltage side connector wiring portion and the signal transmission connector wiring portion described above are embedded in the synthetic resin forming the lid body 12 to form a low-voltage side insulating region portion 46. This low-voltage side insulating region portion 46 is shown in FIG. As shown, the insertion portions formed on the outer peripheral side end surfaces of the metal substrates 17 and 18 are inserted to extend to the control circuit portion 16. The insertion portion may be a “notch” formed on the outer periphery of the metal substrates 17, 18 or may be an “insertion hole”. Furthermore, the low-voltage side insulating region 46 constituting the low-voltage side connector wiring portion is located between the outer peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the inner side of the side peripheral surface of the connector lid 12. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, a metal substrate mounting boss 43 for fixing the power supply circuit portion 14 and the metal substrates 17 and 18 of the power conversion circuit portion 15 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lid 12. Further, in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the lid 12, the power supply side connector terminal 34, the high voltage side connector terminal 35, the inverter side connector terminal 36, the low voltage side connector terminal 37, the control side connector terminal 38, and the control side for signal transmission. Connector terminals 39 are disposed.

That is, the power supply side connector terminal 34, the high voltage side connector terminal 35, the inverter side connector terminal 36, and the low voltage side connector terminal 37 are brought close to the outer peripheral side of each substrate of the power supply circuit unit 14, the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16. The control side connector terminal 38 and the control side connector terminal 39 for signal transmission are arranged so as to be positioned.

Thereby, the electric components constituting the power supply circuit unit 14, the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16 can be arranged close to the center of each substrate, so that the size can be reduced in the radial direction.

Further, if some of the terminal portions described above are passed through the inner peripheral side of each substrate, an insertion portion for this must be formed in the metal substrates 17 and 18, but in this case, the metal substrate 17 , 18 may have a narrow cross-sectional area of the heat dissipation passage, which may reduce heat absorption.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the connector wiring portion including each connector terminal is disposed so as to be located outside the metal substrates 17 and 18, so that unnecessary insertion is performed on the inner peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18. It is not necessary to form the portion, and the effect that a sufficient heat dissipation passage cross-sectional area can be secured can be achieved.

In the lid 12 according to the present embodiment, a connector wiring unit that supplies power from the power supply circuit unit 14 to the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16, and a connector wiring unit that transmits input and output signals to the control circuit unit. Is embedded in a connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin by insert molding, and a power supply circuit corresponding to each connector terminal of a connector wiring portion for supplying power exposed from the connector terminal assembly and a connector wiring portion for signal transmission It is set as the structure directly connected to a part, a power converter circuit part, and a control circuit part.

For this reason, except for the wiring between the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16, each connector wiring unit is directly connected to the corresponding connector without using an extra relay connector part or the like. . Accordingly, since no extra relay parts or the like are required, the number of parts can be reduced and downsizing can be achieved. Furthermore, since the structure of the connector wiring part is simple, it is possible to suppress an increase in assembly man-hours and suppress an increase in product unit price.

Further, in this embodiment, the connector wiring portion including each connector terminal is disposed so as to be located outside the metal substrates 17, 18 and the resin substrate 31, so that it is unnecessary on the inner peripheral side of the metal substrates 17, 18. Since the insertion portion is not formed, an effect that a sufficient heat dissipation passage cross-sectional area can be secured can be achieved.

The order of assembling the electric power steering apparatus shown in FIG. 3 is as follows. First, the fixing bolts 44 are inserted with the power supply circuit unit 14 and the metal substrates 17 and 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 facing each other, and the fixing bolts 44 are screwed into the metal substrate mounting bosses 43 formed on the lid body 12 to The unit 14, the power conversion circuit unit 15, and the lid 12 are integrated.

In this state, the connection between the power supply side connector 22 and the power supply side connector terminal 34 of the power supply circuit section 14 is completed, and the connection between the high voltage side connector 23 and the high voltage side connector terminal 35 of the high voltage side connector wiring section is completed. The connection between the low voltage side connector 24 and the low voltage side connector terminal 37 is completed.

Next, since the first insulating region 45 protrudes from the power conversion circuit unit 15 in this state, the TIG welding torch is used to connect the inverter side connector terminal 36 and the inverter side connector 28 that are exposed from this. And join.

Next, the ECU housing 11B is inserted toward the lid 12 and both are fixed by the fixing bolts 13. Thereafter, the control circuit unit 16 is screwed into the resin board mounting boss 29 by the fixing bolt 30 to integrate the control circuit unit 11 and the ECU housing 11B.

In this state, the connection holes 33A to 33E formed in the resin substrate 31 of the control circuit unit 14 and the corresponding connector terminals 27A to 27D, 38, and 39 are soldered and joined. In this way, the electronic control device 9 is completed.

Then, the motor housing 11A and the ECU housing 11B are integrated by fixing the electronic control device 9 to the motor housing 11A with fixing bolts using the mounting flange formed in the ECU housing 11B.

Next, the configuration of the electronic control assembly housed in the ECU housing 11B will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 8 is a view of the direction of the lid 12 from the AA plane shown in FIG. 3, and shows a plane of the power conversion circuit unit 15. Since the detailed configuration of the power conversion circuit unit 15 is as shown in FIG. 5, description thereof is omitted, but the important point is that the insertion portions 40 </ b> A and 47 formed on the outer peripheral side end surface of the metal substrate 18 are formed. That is.

The insertion portion 40A is a linear notch formed on the outer periphery of the metal substrate 18, and the low-voltage side insulating region portion 46 described above extends to the control circuit portion 16 side through the insertion portion 40A. The reason why the linear “notch” is formed in this way is that the number of wiring parts passing through the low-voltage side insulating region 46 is large, and the area of the “notch” is increased so that the low-voltage side insulating region 46 is inserted. It is. Of course, it goes without saying that the metal substrate 17 is also provided with an insertion portion 40B that matches the insertion portion 40A formed in the metal substrate 18 as shown in FIG.

Similarly, the insertion portion 47 is a “notch” formed on the outer periphery of the metal substrate 18, and the high voltage side insulating region 45 described above extends toward the power conversion circuit portion 15 through the insertion portion 47. Of course, it goes without saying that the metal substrate 17 is also provided with an insertion portion that matches the insertion portion 47 formed in the metal substrate 18.

Next, a cross section of the electric power steering apparatus viewed from the BB plane in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 9, but the electric motor portion is omitted in FIG.

9, the ECU housing 11B and the motor housing 11A are fixed by a plurality of fixing bolts 41 screwed into mounting flanges formed respectively. Similarly, the ECU housing 11B and the lid body 12 are fixed by a plurality of fixing bolts 13 screwed into mounting flanges formed respectively.

In the opening of the ECU housing 11B, a portion excluding the connector terminal forming portions 12A to 12C of the lid 12 is housed, and the outer peripheral surface of the lid 12 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the ECU housing 11B. A seal ring 42 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lid 12. The seal ring 42 prevents water and the like from entering between the lid 12 and the ECU housing 11B.

A metal substrate mounting boss 43 for fixing the power supply circuit portion 14 and the metal substrates 17 and 18 of the power conversion circuit portion 15 is formed on the inner periphery of the lid body 12. The metal substrate mounting bosses 43 are generally formed at four places, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, one place is omitted and formed at three places. The reason for this is to reduce the area of the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 as much as possible and to reduce the number of fixing bolts.

The metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 are formed with insertion holes through which the fixing bolts 44 are inserted, and the fixing bolts 44 are connected to the metal substrate 18 side of the power conversion circuit unit 15. By screwing into the metal substrate mounting boss 43, the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 are firmly fixed to the metal substrate mounting boss 43. Furthermore, the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18 are disposed so as to face each other, and heat can be transferred to each other.

As described with reference to FIG. 3, the metal substrates 17 and 18 have a function of dissipating heat from the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 16 to the ECU housing 11B. The metal substrates 17 and 18 are in thermal contact with the outer peripheral side. In order to enhance the thermal contact, a heat radiation function material such as a heat radiation adhesive, a heat radiation sheet, and heat radiation grease having good thermal conductivity is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the inner peripheral surface of the ECU housing 11B. It is disguised.

Here, in this embodiment, the metal substrates 17 and 18 are formed thick in order to enhance the heat dissipation function. Normally, thin metal substrates made of aluminum alloy are used as the metal substrates 17 and 18. However, if a thin metal substrate is used, the heat dissipation passage has an insufficient cross-sectional area, so that heat accumulates in the thin metal substrate. For this reason, there is a greater risk of adverse effects of heat on the electrical components of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 15.

In addition, in order to improve the heat dissipation of the thin metal substrate, there is also a method of fixing the thin metal substrate to a separately prepared heat dissipation base, but this method makes the heat dissipation base by die-casting, and the manufacturing cost is high. There is a problem that the number of fixing bolts for fixing the substrate to the heat radiating base increases and the number of parts increases. (However, the present invention can be applied even if such a heat dissipation base is used.)
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the thickness of the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18 is increased, and further, the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18 are as thick as possible. It is handled as a thick heat dissipation substrate. Therefore, a sufficient heat radiation path is secured by the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18 so that heat from the electric components of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 15 can be released.

In this embodiment, the thickness is twice or more that of a conventional thin metal substrate.
In general, a conventional thin metal substrate has a thickness of about 2 mm, but in this embodiment, the length is set to 4 mm to 10 mm. The heat of the metal substrates 17 and 18 is transmitted to the ECU housing 11B, and is radiated from the outer peripheral surface of the ECU housing 11B to the atmosphere.

Here, by fastening the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 together with the fixing bolt 44, it is as if the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 15 are integrated as an integral heat dissipation base. The heat radiation path can be expanded, and the unit price of the product can be reduced by reducing the number of fixing bolts.

As described above, when a heat dissipation base is used, a heat dissipation base formed by die casting is required, the number of fixing bolts for connecting each metal substrate and the heat dissipation base increases, Since the heat radiation function material is required on both sides of the heat radiation base, the number of parts increases.

However, according to this embodiment, since the metal substrates 17 and 18 need only be thickened, it is not necessary to manufacture a heat radiating base by die casting, and the manufacturing unit price can be kept low. In addition, the number of fixing bolts for fixing the respective metal substrates 17 and 18 to the heat radiating base and the installation location of the heat radiating function members can be reduced. As a result, the number of parts and assembly man-hours can be reduced, and the total product unit price It is possible to suppress the rise.

Further, between the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit 14 and the inner bottom surface of the lid 12, large electrical components such as capacitors and coils constituting the power supply circuit are housed. Since these electric parts are large in shape, a large storage space is required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a large storage space is formed by utilizing a long seal region formed between the outer peripheral surface of the lid 12 and the inner peripheral surface of the ECU housing 11B.

In other words, since the electric power steering device is disposed in the engine room of the automobile, the electric power steering device may be wetted by rain water or water in a puddle when traveling on a rainy road or a road with a puddle. Often occurs. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure sufficient water-tightness in the contact area between the ECU housing 11 </ b> B and the lid body 12, and the two seal rings 42 are arranged in the seal area with the both seal areas lengthened.

As described above, since the double seal ring 42 is provided, reliable water-tightness can be secured, and a large accommodation space is formed between the lid 12 and the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 by the long seal region. Thus, the power supply circuit unit 15 made of a large electrical component can be easily accommodated. In this way, the space generated to ensure water tightness is effectively utilized to accommodate the power supply circuit unit 15 made of large electrical components.

This makes it possible to make the shaft length as short as possible. Further, since the power supply side connector terminal 34 connected to the power supply is directly inserted and connected to face the press fit type power supply side connector 22 of the power supply circuit section 14, the assembling work is easy. Become.

Next, a cross section of the electric path steering apparatus viewed from the CC plane in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 10, but the electric motor portion is also omitted in FIG.

In FIG. 10, a high voltage side insulating region 45 made of synthetic resin extends from the inner bottom surface of the lid 12 toward the control circuit 16 side. The high voltage side insulating region 45 extends through the insertion portion 47 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the metal substrate 17 and the insertion portion 48 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the metal substrate 18 to the power conversion circuit portion 15. The insertion parts 47 and 48 of the metal substrates 17 and 18 are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the side peripheral surface of the lid.

A high voltage side connector wiring portion 49 is embedded in the high voltage side insulating region portion 45, a high voltage side connector terminal 35 is formed on one side of the high voltage side connector wiring portion 49, and an inverter side connector terminal 36 is disposed on the other side. Is formed. As described above, the high voltage side insulating region 45 ensures insulation between the high voltage side connector wiring portion 49 and the respective metal substrates 17 and 18.

The high voltage side connector wiring portion 49 including the high voltage side connector terminal 35 and the inverter side connector terminal 36 is formed in a “U” shape, and the high voltage side connector 23 of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the inverter of the power conversion circuit unit 15 are formed. Since the side connector 28 is provided in the reverse direction, these can be connected to each other.

Therefore, when the lid 12 is fixed to the ECU housing 11B, the high voltage side connector terminal 35 is connected by being inserted into the press fit type high voltage side connector 23, and the inverter side connector terminal 36 is TIG welded to the inverter side connector 28. Can be connected. At this time, the control circuit section 16 is not provided, and the TIG welding torch can be easily brought close to the inverter-side connector terminal 36 and the inverter-side connector 28.

In the present embodiment, since the high voltage side insulating region 45 constituting the high voltage side connector wiring portion is disposed outside the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the resin substrate 31, the inner peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18 is provided. In addition, since an unnecessary insertion portion is not formed, it is possible to achieve an effect that a sufficient heat dissipation passage cross-sectional area can be secured.

Next, a cross section of the electric path steering apparatus viewed from the DD plane in FIG. 8 will be described based on FIG. 11, but the electric motor portion is also omitted in FIG.

In FIG. 11, a power connector wiring section 50 for connecting an external power source and the power circuit section 14 is embedded in the connector terminal forming section 12A, and the power supply side connector terminal 34 at the tip of the power connector wiring section 50 is a lid. It is exposed from the body 12. The power supply side connector terminal 34 is connected to the power supply side connector 22 of the power supply circuit section 14, and the connection can be completed simply by inserting the power supply side connector terminal 34 into the press-fit type power supply side connector 22. Is.

Further, a low voltage side insulating region 46 made of synthetic resin extends from the inner bottom surface of the lid 12 toward the control circuit 16 side. The low-voltage insulating region 46 extends through the insertion portion 40A provided on the metal substrate 17 and the insertion portion 40B provided on the metal substrate 18 to the control circuit portion 16. The insertion portions 40A and 40B of the metal substrates 17 and 18 are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the side peripheral surface of the lid.

A low voltage side connector wiring portion 51 is embedded in the low voltage side insulating region portion 46, a low voltage side connector terminal 37 is formed on one side of the low voltage side connector wiring portion 51, and a control side connector terminal 38 is provided on the other side. Is formed. In this way, the low voltage side insulating region 46 ensures the insulation between the low voltage connector wiring part 51 and the respective metal substrates 17 and 18.

The low voltage side connector wiring portion 51 including the low voltage side connector terminal 37 and the control side connector terminal 38 is formed in a “U” shape, and a connection hole between the low voltage side connector 24 of the power supply circuit portion 14 and the control circuit portion 16. 33E can be connected to each other. Therefore, when fixing the lid body 12, the low-voltage side connector terminal 37 is connected by being inserted into the low-voltage side connector 24, and the control-side connector terminal 38 is inserted into the connection hole 33 </ b> E of the resin substrate 31 of the control circuit unit 16. You can connect by attaching. At this time, the resin substrate 31 of the control circuit section 16 is fixed to the resin substrate mounting boss 29 by the fixing bolt 30. In this state, the control-side connector terminal 38 and the connection hole 33E can be joined by soldering.

The lid body 12 is provided with an external connector terminal forming portion 12B for detection sensor and an external connector terminal forming portion 12C for sending control state. A signal transmission connector wiring portion (not shown) for transmitting signals of these terminal forming portions 12B and 12C is embedded in the lid body 12, and the signal transmission control side connector terminal 39 is exposed from the lid body 12. ing. The signal transmission connector wiring portion is embedded in the insulating region portion 46 together with the low-voltage side connector wiring portion 51, and is connected to the connection hole 33 </ b> E of the control circuit portion 16.

In this embodiment, the low-voltage side insulating region 46 that constitutes the low-voltage side connector wiring portion is disposed so as to be positioned on the outer peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18 and the resin substrate 31. Since an unnecessary insertion portion is not formed on the inner peripheral side, an effect that a sufficient heat dissipation passage cross-sectional area can be secured can be achieved.

Further, as can be seen from the respective drawings, in this embodiment, the resin substrate 31 of the control circuit unit 16, the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15, and the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 are viewed in this order as viewed from the motor housing 11A side. It is arranged. For this reason, since the heat from the electric motor is blocked by the resin substrate 31 having higher heat insulation than the metal substrates 17 and 18, there is an effect that the heat received from the electric motor can be reduced.

As described above, in this embodiment, the electronic control assembly is divided into the power supply circuit portion 14 mounted on the metal substrate 17 whose main function is generating power and the metal substrate 18 whose main function is driving the electric motor. By dividing into the mounted power conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16 mounted on the resin substrate 31 whose main function is control of the power conversion circuit unit, the number of electrical components placed on each substrate can be reduced. Therefore, the size of each substrate in the radial direction can be reduced.

Although the shaft length is extended by the amount obtained by dividing the substrate into three parts, in the electric power steering apparatus, it is allowable that the shaft length is slightly extended from the viewpoint of the structure. The smaller the physique, the greater the advantages of the product as a whole.

A connector terminal assembly made of a synthetic resin includes a connector wiring section for supplying power from the power supply circuit section 14 to the power conversion circuit section 15 and the control circuit section 16, and a connector wiring section for transmitting input / output signals to the control circuit section. A connector wiring portion for supplying high and low voltage power exposed from the connector terminal assembly, and a corresponding power supply circuit portion, a power conversion circuit portion, and a connector wiring portion for performing signal transmission. It is configured to be directly connected to the control circuit unit.

For this reason, except for the wiring between the power conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16, each connector wiring unit is directly connected to the corresponding connector without using an extra relay connector part or the like. . Accordingly, since no extra relay parts or the like are required, the number of parts can be reduced and downsizing can be achieved. Furthermore, since the structure of the connector wiring part is simple, it is possible to suppress an increase in assembly man-hours and suppress an increase in product unit price.

Further, in this embodiment, the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18 are thickened, and further, the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18 are thickly connected to each other by a heat dissipation functional material. It is handled as a single heat dissipation base. Therefore, a sufficient heat radiation path is secured by the metal substrate 17 and the metal substrate 18, and heat from the electric components of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 15 can be efficiently radiated to the ECU housing 11B.

Further, the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 are fastened together by the fixing bolt 44, so that the heat dissipation of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the power conversion circuit unit 15 is performed as an integral heat dissipation base. The passage can be enlarged, and further, the number of fixing bolts can be reduced to lower the product unit price. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the metal substrates 17 and 18 need only be thickened, it is not necessary to manufacture a heat dissipation base by die-casting, and the manufacturing unit price can be kept low.

In addition, since the power supply circuit unit 14 using the electrical parts having a large shape is accommodated in the storage space where the metal substrate 17 and the cover 12 have a relatively long sealing region, the storage space can be used effectively. The axial length can be shortened as much as possible.

Furthermore, the power supply side connector terminal 34, the high voltage side connector terminal 35, the inverter side connector terminal 36, the low voltage side connector terminal 37, the control side connector terminal 38, and the control side connector terminal 39 for signal transmission include the power supply circuit unit 14, power The conversion circuit unit 15 and the control circuit unit 16 are arranged so as to be positioned close to the outer peripheral side. As a result, the electric components constituting the power supply circuit unit 14, the power conversion circuit unit 15, and the control circuit unit 16 can be arranged close to the center of each substrate, so that the size can be reduced in the radial direction. In addition, since the connector terminals are arranged so as to be located outside the metal substrates 17 and 18, unnecessary insertion portions are not formed on the inner peripheral side of the metal substrates 17 and 18, so that a sufficient heat radiation path can be secured.

In the above-described embodiment, the thickness of the metal substrate 17 of the power supply circuit unit 14 and the metal substrate 18 of the power conversion circuit unit 15 is increased, and the metal substrates 17 and 18 are overlapped to form a heat dissipation base. It is also possible to radiate heat using a conventional thin metal substrate. Specifically, in order to dissipate the heat generated from the electric components constituting the power supply circuit unit and the power conversion circuit unit, an aluminum alloy having a thickness of a predetermined length or more is prepared as a heat dissipating substrate. Is disposed in the ECU housing so as to be positioned in the radial direction, the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion are joined to both surfaces of the heat dissipation base, and the heat dissipation base is coupled to the ECU housing for heat dissipation. is there.

In other words, an aluminum alloy having a total thickness of the metal substrates 17 and 18 of this embodiment (a slight difference in thickness may be used) is used as a heat dissipation base, and a metal substrate having a conventional thickness is bonded thereto. Heat dissipation. In this case, the heat dissipation base needs to be thermally coupled to the ECU housing 11A. Furthermore, heat dissipation can be promoted by the heat dissipation function material as in the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the present invention, the electronic control assembly is mounted on the metal circuit board that is mounted on the metal board whose main function is to generate power and the metal board that is used mainly to drive the electric motor. The power conversion circuit unit is divided into a control circuit unit mounted on a resin substrate whose main function is control of the power conversion circuit unit, and at least power is supplied from the power supply circuit unit to the power conversion circuit unit and the control circuit unit. The power supply connector wiring section that transmits the input and output signals of the control circuit section and the signal transmission connector wiring section that transmits the input / output signals of the control circuit section are embedded in the connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin and the power supply connector wiring section exposed from the connector terminal assembly In addition, the connector terminals of the signal transmission connector wiring portion are directly connected to the corresponding power supply circuit portion, power conversion circuit portion, and control circuit portion connectors.

According to this, it is possible to reduce the size in the radial direction of the board by mounting the electrical components constituting the electronic control device on three boards according to the functions, and to connect the connector wiring part for connecting each circuit part to the synthetic resin. Since the connector terminal assembly is assembled and directly connected to the corresponding circuit portion, the number of parts of the connector terminal assembly can be reduced and the structure can be simplified.

In addition, this invention is not limited to an above-described Example, Various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, it is possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.
As the electric drive device and the electric power steering device based on the embodiment described above, for example, the following modes can be considered.
In other words, the electric drive device, in one aspect thereof, includes an electric motor that drives a mechanical control element and an electronic control device that is disposed on the opposite side of the output shaft of the electric motor and controls the electric motor. The electronic control device includes an ECU housing coupled to a motor housing in which the electric motor is accommodated, and an electronic control assembly accommodated in the ECU housing for driving and controlling the electric motor. In the electric drive device, the electronic control assembly includes a power supply circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate having a main function of generating a power supply, and a power conversion circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate having a main function of driving an electric motor. And a control circuit unit mounted on a resin substrate whose main function is to control the power conversion circuit unit, and at least the power supply circuit Connector terminal assembly made of a synthetic resin comprising a power supply connector wiring portion for supplying power to the power conversion circuit portion and the control circuit portion, and a signal transmission connector wiring portion for transmitting input / output signals of the control circuit portion The power supply connector wiring portion exposed from the connector terminal assembly and the connector terminal of the signal transmission connector wiring portion corresponding to the power supply circuit portion, the power conversion circuit portion, and the connector of the control circuit portion It is designed to connect directly to.
In a preferred aspect of the electric drive device, the connector terminal assembly also serves as a lid that closes an opening of the ECU housing in which the power supply circuit portion, the power conversion circuit portion, and the control circuit portion are housed.
In another preferred aspect, the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are arranged in order from the lid, and the electrical components of the power supply circuit unit and the power conversion circuit unit are metal substrates. The other side of each metal substrate is fixed so as to be opposed and thermally coupled to each other.
In still another preferred aspect, the power supply connector wiring portion extends to the power conversion circuit portion through the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion, and the signal The transmission connector wiring portion extends to the control portion through an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion.
In still another preferred embodiment, the power supply connector wiring portion includes a high voltage side connector wiring portion and a low voltage side connector wiring portion, and the high voltage side connector wiring portion includes the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the power conversion circuit portion. The low voltage side connector wiring portion is connected to the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion through the insertion portion formed on the metal substrate. Is connected to the control circuit section through the insertion section.
In still another preferred aspect, the terminals other than the terminals at both ends of the high-voltage side connector wiring portion are embedded in a synthetic resin forming the lid to form a high-voltage side insulating region portion, and the high-voltage side insulating region portion is the metal The low voltage side insulating region portion is embedded in the synthetic resin that forms the lid body except for the terminals at both ends of the low voltage side connector wiring portion and the signal transmission connector wiring portion. While being formed, the low-voltage side insulating region portion is positioned in each of the other insertion portions of the metal substrate.
In still another preferred aspect, the high-voltage connector wiring portion, the low-voltage connector wiring portion, and the signal transmission connector wiring portion are the outer periphery of the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion. Arranged on the side.
From another viewpoint, the electric power steering device includes an electric motor that applies a steering assist force to a steering shaft, and an electronic control device that is disposed on the opposite side of the output shaft of the electric motor and controls the electric motor. The electronic control device includes an ECU housing coupled to a motor housing in which the electric motor is accommodated, and an electronic control assembly for controlling the driving of the electric motor accommodated in the ECU housing. In the electric power steering apparatus, the electronic control assembly includes a power supply circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is to generate power, and an electric power mounted on the metal substrate whose main function is driving an electric motor. Dividing into a conversion circuit part and a control circuit part mounted on a resin board whose main function is control of the power conversion circuit part In addition, at least a power supply connector wiring section that supplies power from the power supply circuit section to the power conversion circuit section and the control circuit section and a signal transmission connector wiring section that transmits input / output signals of the control circuit section are combined. The power supply circuit portion corresponding to the power supply connector wiring portion exposed from the connector terminal assembly and the connector terminal of the signal transmission connector wiring portion, embedded in the connector terminal assembly made of resin, and the power conversion circuit portion And it is directly connected to the connector of the control circuit section.
In a preferred aspect of the electric power steering apparatus, the connector terminal assembly also serves as a lid that closes an opening of the ECU housing in which the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are housed. .
In another preferred aspect, the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are arranged in order from the lid, and the electrical components of the power supply circuit unit and the power conversion circuit unit are metal substrates. The other side of each metal substrate is fixed so as to be opposed and thermally coupled to each other.
In still another preferred aspect, the power supply connector wiring portion extends to the power conversion circuit portion through the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion, and the signal The transmission connector wiring portion extends to the control portion through an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion.
In still another preferred embodiment, the power supply connector wiring portion includes a high voltage side connector wiring portion and a low voltage side connector wiring portion, and the high voltage side connector wiring portion includes the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the power conversion circuit portion. The low voltage side connector wiring portion is connected to the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion through the insertion portion formed on the metal substrate. Is connected to the control circuit section through the insertion section.
In still another preferred aspect, the terminals other than the terminals at both ends of the high-voltage side connector wiring portion are embedded in a synthetic resin forming the lid to form a high-voltage side insulating region portion, and the high-voltage side insulating region portion is the metal The low voltage side insulating region portion is embedded in the synthetic resin that forms the lid body except for the terminals at both ends of the low voltage side connector wiring portion and the signal transmission connector wiring portion. While being formed, the low-voltage side insulating region portion is positioned in each of the other insertion portions of the metal substrate.
In still another preferred aspect, the high-voltage connector wiring portion, the low-voltage connector wiring portion, and the signal transmission connector wiring portion are the outer periphery of the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion. Arranged on the side.

Claims (14)

1. An electric motor that drives a mechanical control element, and an electronic control device that is disposed on the opposite side of the output shaft of the electric motor and controls the electric motor. The electronic control device accommodates the electric motor. In an electric drive device comprising: an ECU housing coupled to the motor housing; and an electronic control assembly for controlling the electric motor housed in the ECU housing.
   The electronic control assembly includes a power supply circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is generating power, a power conversion circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is driving an electric motor, and a power conversion circuit A power supply connector wiring section that divides the power supply circuit section and the control circuit section from the power supply circuit section. And embedded in a connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin, a signal transmission connector wiring section for transmitting input / output signals of the control circuit section, the power supply connector wiring section exposed from the connector terminal assembly, and the The connector terminal of the signal transmission connector wiring section is directly connected to the corresponding connector of the power supply circuit section, the power conversion circuit section, and the control circuit section. Electric drive unit according to claim.
2. The electric drive device according to claim 1,
   The electric connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector terminal assembly also serves as a lid that closes an opening of the ECU housing in which the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are housed.
3. The electric drive device according to claim 2,
   The power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are arranged in order from the lid, and the electrical components of the power supply circuit unit and the power conversion circuit unit are mounted on one side of a metal substrate, An electric drive device characterized in that the other one surface of each of the metal substrates is fixed so as to be opposed to each other and thermally coupled.
4. In the electric drive device according to claim 3,
   The power supply connector wiring portion extends to the power conversion circuit portion through the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion, and the signal transmission connector wiring portion is the power supply An electric drive device that extends to the control unit through the metal substrate of the circuit unit and an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit unit.
5. The electric drive device according to claim 4, wherein
   The power supply connector wiring portion is composed of a high voltage side connector wiring portion and a low voltage side connector wiring portion, and the high voltage side connector wiring portion is formed on the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion. It is connected to the power conversion circuit section through an insertion section, and the low-voltage side connector wiring section passes through the metal substrate of the power supply circuit section and another insertion section formed on the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit section. An electric drive device connected to a control circuit unit.
6. In the electric drive device according to claim 5,
   Except for the terminals at both ends of the high-voltage side connector wiring portion, the high-voltage side insulating region is embedded in the synthetic resin forming the lid, and the high-voltage side insulating region is inserted into each of the insertion portions of the metal substrate. Located in
   Further, except for the terminals at both ends of the low-voltage side connector wiring portion and the signal transmission connector wiring portion, the low-voltage side insulating region portion is formed by being embedded in the synthetic resin forming the lid, and the low-voltage side insulating region portion is An electric drive device, wherein the electric drive device is positioned in each of the other insertion portions of the metal substrate.
7. The electric drive device according to claim 6,
   The high-voltage connector wiring section, the low-voltage connector wiring section, and the signal transmission connector wiring section are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the metal substrate of the power supply circuit section and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit section. The electric drive device characterized by this.
8. An electric motor that applies a steering assist force to the steering shaft, and an electronic control device that is disposed on the opposite side of the output shaft of the electric motor and controls the electric motor. The electronic control device includes: In an electric power steering apparatus comprising: an ECU housing coupled to a housed motor housing; and an electronic control assembly housed in the ECU housing for driving and controlling the electric motor.
   The electronic control assembly includes a power supply circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is generating power, a power conversion circuit unit mounted on a metal substrate whose main function is driving an electric motor, and a power conversion circuit A power supply connector wiring section that divides the power supply circuit section and the control circuit section from the power supply circuit section. And embedded in a connector terminal assembly made of synthetic resin, a signal transmission connector wiring section for transmitting input / output signals of the control circuit section, the power supply connector wiring section exposed from the connector terminal assembly, and the The connector terminal of the signal transmission connector wiring section is directly connected to the corresponding connector of the power supply circuit section, the power conversion circuit section, and the control circuit section. Electric power steering apparatus according to claim.
9. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 8,
   The electric power steering apparatus, wherein the connector terminal assembly also serves as a lid that closes an opening of the ECU housing in which the power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are housed.
10. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 9,
    The power supply circuit unit, the power conversion circuit unit, and the control circuit unit are arranged in order from the lid, and the electrical components of the power supply circuit unit and the power conversion circuit unit are mounted on one side of a metal substrate, An electric power steering device, wherein the other one side of each metal substrate is fixed so as to be thermally coupled to face each other.
11. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 10,
    The power supply connector wiring portion extends to the power conversion circuit portion through the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and an insertion portion formed in the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion, and the signal transmission connector wiring portion is the power supply An electric power steering apparatus that extends to the control unit through the metal substrate of the circuit unit and an insertion unit formed in the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit unit.
12. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 11,
    The power supply connector wiring portion is composed of a high voltage side connector wiring portion and a low voltage side connector wiring portion, and the high voltage side connector wiring portion is formed on the metal substrate of the power supply circuit portion and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit portion. It is connected to the power conversion circuit section through an insertion section, and the low-voltage side connector wiring section passes through the metal substrate of the power supply circuit section and another insertion section formed on the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit section. An electric power steering device connected to a control circuit unit.
13. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 12,
    Except for the terminals at both ends of the high-voltage side connector wiring portion, the high-voltage side insulating region is embedded in the synthetic resin forming the lid, and the high-voltage side insulating region is inserted into each of the insertion portions of the metal substrate. Located in
    Further, except for the terminals at both ends of the low-voltage side connector wiring portion and the signal transmission connector wiring portion, the low-voltage side insulating region portion is formed by being embedded in the synthetic resin forming the lid, and the low-voltage side insulating region portion is An electric power steering device, wherein the electric power steering device is located in each of the other insertion portions of the metal substrate.
14. The electric power steering apparatus according to claim 13,
    The high-voltage connector wiring section, the low-voltage connector wiring section, and the signal transmission connector wiring section are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the metal substrate of the power supply circuit section and the metal substrate of the power conversion circuit section. An electric power steering device.

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